The phrase "puffed out" refers to something that has become swollen or inflated, often with air or gas. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /pʌft aʊt/. The first syllable, "puff," is represented by the IPA symbol /pʌf/, which indicates an unvoiced bilabial plosive consonant. The second syllable, "out," is represented by the IPA symbol /aʊt/, which represents an open-mid back rounded vowel followed by an unvoiced alveolar plosive consonant. Overall, the spelling of "puffed out" accurately reflects the pronunciation of the word.
Puffed out is an adjective that describes something or someone that appears swollen, expanded, or inflated. The term can refer to both objects and individuals.
In the context of objects, puffed out often implies that something has significantly increased in size or volume. This could refer to things like pillows or cushions that have been filled with air to give them a puffy appearance or clothing items like jackets or sleeves that are voluminous, making them seem enlarged. Puffed out can also describe inflatable objects, such as balloons or air mattresses, which have been inflated and visibly expanded.
When used to describe individuals, puffed out typically refers to a person's physical appearance. It suggests that the person's body or certain body parts, such as cheeks, belly, or muscles, have become noticeably expanded or swollen. This expansion could be the result of overeating, medical conditions, or temporary bloating, among other factors.
Overall, puffed out is an adjective used to describe objects or individuals that have undergone a visible increase in volume or size, often through the accumulation of air, fluid, or excessive growth.
The expression "puffed out" is derived from the word "puff", which originated in the English language around the 16th century. "Puff" initially referred to a short, explosive breath or gust of air. Over time, it was also used to describe the emission of smoke, vapor, or steam. The phrase "puffed out" emerged in the 19th century, drawing upon the concept of someone emitting puffs of breath or air due to exertion or exhaustion. It figuratively came to represent a state of being breathless and fatigued.